Kenneth “Tripp” Shields

Tell me a little about your background?

Attended University of Alabama and graduated with a double major in Marketing and Business Management, however, studied Pre-Med my first two years. Had great opportunities to work for two Fortune 500 companies in the CPG industry, but these roles did not spark my passion and push me to be my best. Decided to find a blend of business and medicine.

Why were you interested in Medical Sales? What drew you to this industry?

Desire to get into medical device sales. Only other program found online was cardio specific and I felt orthopaedics was a better personal fit.

How long did you try to get into the industry? What was that experience like?

Two months before applying to MSC. Because of my age, it was impossible for me to have the “required sales experience of 2-5 years,” and knew my resume was never making it far enough in the systems to be in the hands of the decision makers.

How did you learn about Medical Sales College?

Reached out to an industry recruiter via LinkedIn for help getting a job. Said there was nothing he could do with my experience and recommended looking into MSC.

Did you have any fears about attending the School? What were they?

Not really fears. I was nervous about what I had gotten myself into and worried that I would not like it once I knew more about the companies, responsibilities and positions.

What ultimately made you decide to attend the College?

I wanted to start a career in medical sales and this would set me up with the best chances. I was told multiple times that I would not be able to secure a position due to my age and limited experience. I was up to the challenge and knew I would be an asset to any hiring company.

Describe your experience once you began training with Medical Sales College.

Excitement fills and fuels the college. The teachers are so knowledgeable and passionate, the students are all there for the same reason and relied on each other for help, motivation and fun while in Denver. After the first day of class, I knew I was in the right place.

Explain what your interview process was like.

First company I had a follow-up, second interview and then lost contact with the hiring manager. Second company I interviewed through 4 rounds and spoke with territory reps, was told they were looking forward to working with me, and then I was told they moved forward with an internal sales rep. Was ultimately offered opportunities by two companies after one month of interviewing

What from your training did you specifically use during the interview process that ultimately helped you land your position?

I never felt entitled to a position because I went to MSC. However, I had a very good idea and could communicate the responsibilities, expectations, challenges and various aspects of the sales rep. Due to my limited experience, I was very transparent that I would not bring sales experience/relationships to the business, but that I understood the position and knew I would have to work extremely hard day and night to prove I belonged in the position.

What is your current job like?

I will be working under the distal extremity rep to help grow business while also being trained and prepared to cover the sports medicine cases. Initially, I will not be responsible for growing business, but must be working to reach the point to answer any and all questions, cover any case and meet with doctors to fully communicate and counsel on my solutions.

What was the most valuable thing you learned at Medical Sales College/What piece of
training do you use the most in your day-to-day activities?

I feel that profiling, organization of preparing for the next day(s) and disciplined knowledge of anatomy, procedure and products will set me apart from some of the other reps in the field.

Why should someone attend the Medical Sales College if they want this career?

If they feel they want the job, but don’t exactly know what if fully entails or do not have the experience “requirements.”

What do you know now that you wish you had known before entering the industry/attending Medical Sales College?

I knew that it was a highly competitive industry and that the position was a “sink or swim” type role. Had I entered the industry before going to MSC, I feel I would have sunk. I can confidently say I will swim in the industry due to the skills I acquired at MSC.